JP2007108947A - Program, system, and device for processing data input/output - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data input/output processing system facilitating user setting. <P>SOLUTION: Each apparatus (unit) constituting MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) 100 has QR (Quick Response) codes (QR 1 to QR 10) attached thereto with a sticker. An operation panel 105 of the MFP 100 can display characters, images, and the QR codes corresponding to them based on a display command from a data input/output server. The user photographs the QR codes with a camera of a cellular phone and transmits them, thereby setting an operation of the MFP 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data input / output processing program, a data input / output processing system, and a data input / output processing device, and more particularly to a data input / output processing program, a data input / output processing system, and a data input / output capable of simplifying user settings. The present invention relates to a processing apparatus.

Patent Document 1 below discloses an electronic data printing system that selects a printing device according to print request data by transmitting electronic data and print request data from a portable terminal to a print job management device.
JP 2003-173249 A

  There are multifunctional image forming apparatuses represented by MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) and the like. It is conceivable to configure a data input / output system by connecting various input / output devices such as MFPs, printers, PCs (Personal Computers), and portable devices via a network.

  Mobile devices such as mobile phones and mobile terminals often have poor operation units and display units due to the characteristics of being carried. Therefore, when a portable device is used as a user operation device, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform complicated settings on a multifunctional device such as an MFP.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a data input / output processing program, a data input / output processing system, and a data input / output processing device that can facilitate user settings. It is an object.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a data input / output processing program used in a data input / output system including a data input / output device and an operation device is identified corresponding to each part of the data input / output device. Information or the identification step displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device is optically read using the operation device, and the data input / output device is controlled based on the identification information read in the reading step. And causing the computer to execute an execution step of executing processing for performing.

  Preferably, the execution step executes processing for controlling the data input / output device by transmitting information based on the identification information read in the reading step to an external device.

  Preferably, the operation device transmits a video of the identification information to the external device, and the external device determines a process for controlling the data input / output device based on the video and transmits the control information to the data input / output device. .

  Preferably, the operation device determines a process for controlling the data input / output device based on the video of the identification information.

Preferably, the operation device transmits control information to the outside.
Preferably, the operation device outputs control information to the data input / output device.

  Preferably, when the data input / output processing program determines that the identification information read in the reading step is insufficient to control the data input / output device, the data input / output processing program requests the user for the information. Is further executed by the computer.

  Preferably, the requesting step includes a display step of displaying identification information on a display unit of the data input / output device, and an acquisition step of acquiring insufficient information by optically reading the displayed identification information using an operation device. Including.

  Preferably, the reading step reads information specifying the input / output target data, and the execution step inputs / outputs data in the data input / output device based on the read information.

  Preferably, the data input / output device displays a plurality of pieces of identification information of candidate data to be input / output on the display unit, and at least a part of the data is optically read by the operation device so that the data to be input / output Is identified.

  Preferably, the data input / output device displays a plurality of identification information of the sub-selector to be set when a certain function is set on the display unit, and at least a part thereof is optically read by the operation device so that the sub-selector Is identified.

  Preferably, the identification information is information for specifying the data input / output device and its part, which is configured by a bar code, a QR code, a figure, a video, and other information.

Preferably, the identification information includes information for identifying the data input / output device.
Preferably, the reading step reads identification information from a plurality of data input / output devices, and the execution step executes a process for controlling the plurality of data input / output devices.

  Preferably, when the identification information once read is read again, the reading step cancels the first reading of the identification information.

  Preferably, the data input / output processing program further executes a storing step of storing the read identification information or information related thereto in the operation device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a data input / output system including a data input / output device and an operation device is displayed on identification information corresponding to each part of the data input / output device or on a display unit of the data input / output device. A reading unit that optically reads the identification information using an operation device; and an execution unit that executes a process for controlling the data input / output device based on the identification information read by the reading unit.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a data input / output processing device for controlling input / output of data in a data input / output device is provided for each part of the data input / output device optically read using an operation device. The first input means for inputting the corresponding identification information or the identification information displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device and only the input identification information has information for controlling the data input / output device. Display means for displaying identification information on the display unit of the data input / output device when it is determined to be insufficient, and identification information displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device optically read using an operation device And an execution means for executing processing for controlling the data input / output device based on the identification information input by the first and second input means.

  According to these inventions, the identification information corresponding to each part of the data input / output device or the identification information displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device is optically read using the operation device, and the read identification information , A data input / output processing program, a data input / output processing system, and a data input / output processing device that can facilitate user settings Can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data input / output system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the figure, the data input / output system includes MFP 100 as a data input / output device, data input / output server 200, and mobile phone 300 as an operation device. Data input / output server 200 is capable of receiving e-mail and is connected to MFP 100 via a communication line such as a LAN capable of bidirectional communication.

  The data input / output system uses the camera of the mobile phone 300 to optically read identification information (such as an identification mark such as a QR (Quick Response) code) displayed on or attached to the MFP 100 to provide an operation instruction by the user. It is characterized by.

  The read identification information is sent from the mobile phone 300 to the data input / output server 200 by e-mail. The e-mail address of the data input / output server 200 is “dataiosys@konicaminolta.jp”.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in FIG.
Referring to the figure, MFP 100 performs short-range wireless communication with a control unit 106 that controls the entire apparatus, an image reader unit 101 that reads image data from a document, and a printer unit 102 that prints an image on paper. A communication unit 103 for connecting the MFP 100 to a network or a telephone line, a storage unit 104 for storing job data, an operation panel 105 serving as an interface with a user, and a remaining amount of consumables. Sensor unit 107.

  Further, the MFP 100 is connected to units 109a, 109b,... Such as a tray for handling paper and a staple unit.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the data input / output server 200 of FIG.

  Referring to the figure, a data input / output server 200 includes a CPU 601 for controlling the entire apparatus, a display 605, and a LAN (local area network) card 607 (or a modem card) for connecting to a network or communicating with the outside. ), An input device 609 configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, a flexible disk drive 611, a CD-ROM drive 613, a hard disk drive 615, a RAM 617, and a ROM 619.

  Data such as programs and images recorded on the flexible disk F can be read by the flexible disk drive 611, and data such as programs and images recorded on the CD-ROM 613a can be read by the CD-ROM drive 613. Is possible.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 300 of FIG.
Referring to the figure, a mobile phone 300 includes a CPU 201 that controls the entire apparatus, a communication unit 203 for communication, a memory 205 that records data, a ROM 207 that stores programs and constants, a CCD, and the like. The camera 209 is configured to acquire an image, a speaker 211 that outputs sound, a microphone 213 that inputs sound, an input unit 215 including a numeric keypad, and a display 217 including a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the MFP 100 and the display unit of the operation panel 105.
Each part constituting MFP 100 is given a QR code by a seal or the like.

  The operation panel 105 can display characters, images, and corresponding QR codes based on display instructions from the data input / output server 200.

  Here, it is assumed that the QR code is attached to 10 parts (QR1 to QR10) of the MFP.

  QR1 is a QR code attached to the scanner glass surface of MFP 100. QR2 is a QR code attached to the scanner ADF of the MFP 100. QR3 is a QR code attached to the sheet feed tray 1 of the MFP. QR4 is a QR code attached to the paper feed tray 2 of the MFP 100. QR5 is a QR code attached to the sheet feed tray 3 of the MFP. QR 6 is a QR code attached to the paper feed tray 4 of the MFP 100.

  QR7 is a QR code attached to the stapler unit of the MFP. QR8 is a QR code attached to the duplex (double-sided printing) unit of the MFP. QR9 is a QR code attached to the paper discharge tray 1 of the MFP. QR10 is a QR code attached to the paper discharge tray 2 of the MFP.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of each QR code.
As shown in the figure, data for transmitting information to the mail address of the data input / output server 200 is recorded in each QR code QR1 to QR10. Specifically, each QR code includes the contents for identifying the MFP, such as the IP address of MFP 100 to which the QR code is attached, and the name of the part (unit or the like) to which the QR code is attached. MIME data as the main text is encoded and recorded.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on the display 217 of the mobile phone 300.
A data input / output application is installed in the mobile phone 300. When the data input / output application is selected and started, as shown on the right side of FIG. 7, the display 217 reads “To input / output data, point the lens at the QR code on the input / output device. Please press the button. After loading the necessary code, press the start button. "Is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mobile phone 300 is capturing a QR code of a part used by the MFP 100.

  The user captures a QR code attached to a part used by MFP 100 while the screen on the right side of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the user uses the paper feed tray 2 and the duplex unit, and the user uses the camera 209 of the mobile phone 300 to photograph QR4 and QR8, which are QR codes attached to these parts (FIG. 7). In the screen on the right, press the key corresponding to “Read”). Thereafter, the user presses the key corresponding to “Start” on the screen on the right side of FIG.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the mail address, MFP address, and part name are extracted from the QR code. The address of the MFP and the name of the part are transmitted to the data input / output server 200 by e-mail.

  The data input / output server 200 is always in a standby state waiting for e-mail reception, and the data input / output processing is activated. When e-mail is transmitted from mobile phone 100, it is analyzed, control information for MFP 100 is generated, and transmitted to MFP 100.

  At this time, if it is determined that the information of the e-mail alone is insufficient to control the MFP, the information is requested from the user. In other words, a QR code is displayed on the operation panel 105, and the user inputs insufficient information by optically reading a desired one of the displayed QR codes using the mobile phone 300.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mobile phone 300 is capturing a QR code displayed on the operation panel 105 of the MFP 100.

  Here, select the QR code for selecting the data to be input / output from “Report”, “Proposal”, and “Specification”, and the output form of the data from 1up, 2up, 4up The QR code is displayed on the operation panel 105. The user captures the QR code corresponding to the data to be input / output and the QR code corresponding to the output form of the selected data with the camera 209 of the mobile phone 300, and sends the data to the data input / output server 200 by e-mail. Send. Thereby, the insufficient information is complemented and data is output by MFP 100.

  Next, processing executed by each component of the data input / output system will be described using a flowchart.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the data input / output application executed by the mobile phone 300.

  When the user activates the data input / output application of the mobile phone 300 in front of the MFP 100, the display 217 is switched to the data input / output application display shown on the right side of FIG. Then, a process of waiting for a button press from the user is executed.

  The user directs the lens of the camera 209 to the QR code attached to the MFP 100 or the QR code displayed on the operation panel 105 and presses a button corresponding to “read” (S103).

  In step S105, the data input / output application reads the QR code, analyzes it in step S107, and creates an e-mail document in step S109. When a plurality of QR codes are read, processing for integrating these e-mail documents is performed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the e-mail integration process.
Here, for example, QR4 (TRAY2), QR8 (DUPLEX UNIT), and QR7 (STAPLER UNIT) QR codes are sequentially read, so that the data input / output server 200 is the destination, and the text A plurality of e-mails (E1 to E3) in which the IP address of the MFP 100 as an output device, the type (model) of the MFP 100, and the selected part are described are created.

  Since these e-mail destinations, the IP address of the MFP 100 in the text, and the type (model) of the MFP 100 are the same, the e-mail is integrated and a plurality of selected parts are described in one e-mail. mail (E4).

  When the user presses a button corresponding to “Start” of the mobile phone 300 (S103), the e-mail address of the mobile phone is inserted into the “From” field of the integrated e-mail document in Step S111. Send.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing data input / output processing executed by the data input / output server 200.

  In step S201, the data input / output server 200 waits for reception of e-mail. When an e-mail is received from the mobile phone, the e-mail document is analyzed in step S203, and an input / output instruction (control information) to the data input / output device (here, MFP 100) is created in step S205. Here, when the e-mail (E4) after integration as shown in FIG. 11 is received, the output device template in the server is acquired based on the type (model) of the output device, and the mobile phone 300 receives the template. By applying the contents of e-mail, device input / output instruction data is created.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing processing for creating input / output instruction data for a device from a template.

  Here, the template T corresponding to the output device type “C350” is acquired, and the input / output instruction data D1 for C350 is generated based on the template.

  Based on the integrated e-mail (E4), an item in the template is selected, and input / output instruction data D1 for C350 is created. At that time, the default (setting underlined) is applied to any item not specified by e-mail.

  In step S207 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether the essential items are insufficient or not yet determined. If so, the shortage information input request creation processing (S211) and the display instruction transmission to the input / output device (S213) are performed. This is processing for creating information requesting the user to input insufficient information and transmitting it to the input / output device.

  That is, the data input / output server 200 transmits a display instruction to the MFP, which is an input / output device, and transitions to an e-mail reception waiting state (S215). Taking FIG. 13 as an example, it can be seen that imposition setting of essential items and setting of data to be printed are not performed in the input / output instruction data D1 for C350.

  In the shortage information input request creation processing, a user is specified based on the e-mail From address received in step S201, and data stored by the user is set as a candidate for print target data. Similarly, since 1up, 2up, and 4up are registered in the template, 1up, 2up, and 4up are candidates.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of image data created in the shortage information input request creation process.

  Here, it is assumed that the data stored by the user is “report”, “proposal”, and “specification”, and a QR code for specifying each is created and used as image data. . In addition, as an imposition, a QR code for specifying each of “1up”, “2up”, and “4up” is created and used as image data.

  Further, since the stapler unit is selected in the e-mail in FIG. 11, the setting for stapling is made (see D1 in FIG. 13). As a stapling method, it is necessary to select either “upper left one place” or “center two places” as a sub-selector, and therefore QR for specifying each of “upper left one place” and “center two places”. A code is created and used as image data. Each QR code includes data for creating an e-mail.

  In step S213, the image data shown in FIG. 14 is transmitted to the input / output device as a display instruction.

  When the input / output device (MFP 100 in this example) receives the display instruction, the input / output device displays the received image data on the display unit (operation panel) of the device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the output device based on the display instruction.
As shown in the figure, the image data of FIG. 14 is displayed on the operation panel 105 of the MFP 100 here.

  The user reads a desired QR code displayed on the display unit of the device with the data input / output application of the mobile phone 300 and transmits it to the data input / output server 200. For example, in the state where the input / output instruction data D1 of FIG. 13 exists, when the QR code of “specification”, “2up”, and “center 2 places” is selected from the QR code of FIG. 14, the e-mail of FIG. (E4 to E6) are created. The e-mail (E4 to E6) is integrated and transmitted by the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (the integrated is indicated as e-mail (E7) in FIG. 16).

  The data input / output server 200 waiting for e-mail reception in step S215 in FIG. 12 analyzes the e-mail received in step S217, and creates input / output instruction data for the device in step S219.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of processing for creating input / output instruction data for a device.
For example, if the e-mail shown in E6 of FIG. 16 is received in a state where the input / output instruction data D1 of FIG. 13 exists, the contents of the input / output instruction data D1 are filled in according to the contents of the e-mail. The input / output instruction data D2 (FIG. 16) is created.

  When there is no shortage of input / output instruction data (determined as “none” in S207), the data input / output server 200 transmits the input / output instruction to the device in step S209. That is, data for printing a document to the output device is generated and output to the device. When the output device receives the document print data, it prints based on the data.

  With the above processing, the user can take out 2up specifications by double-sided printing using the desired tray paper of the desired MFP, simply by performing the operations of FIGS.

[Effects of the embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is an effect that a complicated operation instruction can be easily performed using a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the case where an image is output using an MFP has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a system that inputs an image using, for example, a scanner. That is, it is conceivable to configure a system for setting image input using a QR code.

  In addition, although the QR code is described as a specific example of the identification information, it identifies a barcode, a figure (for example, a scaled down icon or icon of a device member), a video (for example, a photographic image of a device member), a character, or a mark It may be used as information.

  The analysis of the identification information may be performed by the data input / output server 200 or the mobile phone 300. Further, the function of the data input / output server 200 may be performed by the MFP 100 or may be performed by the mobile phone 300. In this case, the data input / output server 200 is unnecessary.

  In addition to a mobile phone, the present invention can be applied to a mobile device such as a mobile device that can be carried by a user.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the QR code, which is identification information, is directly attached to a member of a device such as an MFP. However, the QR code is used as a card or table so that the user can understand the correspondence with the member. It may be described and read on a portable device.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which processing is performed by one MFP has been described. However, QR code or the like may be read from each of a plurality of devices, and processing may be performed by a plurality of devices. For example, the present invention can be applied to a system in which a scanner and a printer are connected to read and output an image.

  Further, when the identification information once read in the mobile phone is read again, the user's usability is improved by canceling the first reading of the identification information.

  Further, if the mobile phone is configured to store the read identification information or information related thereto, frequently used settings can be stored, so that the convenience of the user is improved.

  Note that the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or may be performed using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing of the flowchart in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, and the like. You may decide to provide it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to a system connected to a network and a system not connected to a network environment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the data input / output system in one of the embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the data input / output server 200 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the mobile telephone 300 of FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an MFP 100 and a display unit of an operation panel 105. FIG. It is a figure which shows the content of each QR code. FIG. 12 shows a display example of the display 217 of the mobile phone 300. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a mobile phone 300 is capturing a QR code of a part used by the MFP 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a QR code displayed on the operation panel 105 of the MFP 100 is photographed by the mobile phone 300. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of a data input / output application executed by the mobile phone 300. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an e-mail integrated process. 4 is a flowchart showing data input / output processing executed by the data input / output server 200. It is a figure which shows the process which produces the input / output instruction data for devices from a template. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the image data produced in a shortage information input request production process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display with the output device based on a display instruction | indication. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the process which produces the input / output instruction data for devices.

Explanation of symbols

  100 MFP, 102 Printer unit, 103 Communication unit, 105 Operation panel, 106 Control unit, 109a, 109b unit, 200 Data input / output server, 203 Communication unit, 209 Camera, 300 Mobile phone, QR1 to QR10 QR code, E1 to E7 e-mail, T template, D1, D2 I / O instruction data.

Claims (18)

A data input / output processing program used in a data input / output system including a data input / output device and an operation device,
A reading step of optically reading the identification information corresponding to each part of the data input / output device or the identification information displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device using the operation device;
A data input / output processing program for causing a computer to execute an execution step for executing processing for controlling the data input / output device based on the identification information read in the reading step.   The data input according to claim 1, wherein the execution step executes a process for controlling the data input / output device by transmitting information based on the identification information read in the reading step to an external device. Output processing program. The operation device transmits a video of identification information to the external device,
The data input / output processing program according to claim 2, wherein the external device determines a process for controlling the data input / output device based on an image and transmits control information to the data input / output device.   The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein the operation device determines a process for controlling the data input / output device based on an image of identification information.   The data input / output processing program according to claim 4, wherein the operation device transmits control information to the outside.   The data input / output processing program according to claim 5, wherein the operation device outputs control information to the data input / output device.   When it is determined that only the identification information read in the reading step is insufficient to control the data input / output device, the computer further executes a request step for requesting the information from the user. The data input / output processing program according to claim 1. The request step includes
A display step of displaying identification information on a display unit of the data input / output device;
The data input / output processing program according to claim 7, further comprising an acquisition step of acquiring information that is deficient by optically reading the displayed identification information using the operation device. The reading step reads information specifying input / output target data,
9. The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein said execution step inputs / outputs data in said data input / output device based on said read information.   The data input / output device displays a plurality of pieces of identification information of candidate data to be input / output on a display unit, and at least a part of the data is optically read by the operation device to be input / output target data The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein:   The data input / output device displays a plurality of identification information of a sub-selector to be set when a certain function is set on the display unit, and at least a part thereof is optically read by the operation device, so that the sub-selector The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein:   The data according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the identification information is information for specifying a data input / output device and its part, which is configured by a bar code, a QR code, a figure, a video, and other information. I / O processing program.   The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein the identification information includes information for identifying the data input / output device. The reading step reads identification information from a plurality of data input / output devices,
The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein the execution step executes a process for controlling a plurality of data input / output devices.   15. The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, wherein the reading step cancels the first reading of the identification information when the identification information once read is read again.   16. The data input / output processing program according to claim 1, further comprising a storage step of storing the read identification information or information related thereto in the operation device. A data input / output system including a data input / output device and an operation device,
Reading means for optically reading identification information corresponding to each part of the data input / output device or identification information displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device using the operation device;
A data input / output processing system comprising: execution means for executing processing for controlling the data input / output device based on the identification information read by the reading means. A data input / output processing device for controlling data input / output in a data input / output device,
First input means for inputting identification information corresponding to each part of the data input / output device, or identification information displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device, optically read using an operation device; ,
Display means for displaying identification information on the display unit of the data input / output device when it is determined that the input identification information alone is insufficient to control the data input / output device;
Second input means for inputting identification information optically read using the operation device and displayed on the display unit of the data input / output device;
A data input / output processing device comprising: execution means for executing processing for controlling the data input / output device based on the identification information input by the first and second input means.

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